Job services program gets $300G in grants

New York State has awarded Nassau County almost $300,000 in grants for job services, County Executive Edward Mangano announced Wednesday.

The grants totaling $291,858 will go to the Department of Social Services to provide training and subsidized employment in health care, green jobs and customer service for eligible residents, a news release said.

To be eligible for the program, county residents must apply through the Social Services office, said Karen Garber, public relations director for the department. Those who qualify for financial assistance will also be considered for employment training and subsidized jobs, she said.

Mangano said in the release that he is hopeful the program has lasting effects for Nassau residents.

“Providing subsidized placements in health care positions, green jobs and customer service can provide individuals with new marketable skills and greater opportunities to secure employment,” he said. “Ideally our industry partners will hire the trainees after the subsidy is exhausted, which will also further help boost our local economy.”

Health care employment opportunities include skilled nursing and direct patient care, the release said, while green jobs may include weatherization and office positions.

According to the release, this award brings county funds granted by the state for employment training and placement to more than $1.8 million since January 2010.